“Zero Tolerance” programme for improved occupational safety

In 2010 the Górazdze Group, a HeidelbergCement subsidiary, developed a programme to increase occupational safety at its plants and quarries. Called “Zero Tolerance”, the programme’s aim is to motivate employees to not only examine their own actions with an eye to occupational safety, but also to have zero tolerance for the incorrect practices of others. The core of the programme consists of ten rules of conduct, which also are the focal points of numerous training courses conducted internally and with contractors.

Another central element is a large-scale information campaign intended to foster a more preventive approach to occupational safety. Here the employees are also called on to keep a list of any near-accidents they have experienced, the risks involved in their everyday tasks, as well as new ideas for improving safety in the work environment. The units that are most successful will be honoured on a regular basis for their proactive behaviour and for improvements in the area of occupational safety. In late 2010 the Polish state ministry for mining honoured the Zero Tolerance programme as a national example of best practice because of its unique management approach.